Functional and Fresh Fashion Trends for Summer 2021


Yash Bansal
The ever-changing fashion world offers many valuable trends to designers and fashion enthusiasts. The Summer season, in particular, gives designers ample opportunities to capitalize on ‘gram and sales-friendly trends like these from earlier this year here.
However, for Summer, while we are seeing some similar trends in womenswear apparel and color design as we did in the Spring, additional trends are emerging in menswear. Spring and Summer trends do somewhat go hand in hand as both seasons are back to back and contain a fair amount of overlap. Designers can be challenged to keep up with some of the more subtle trends when considering what to focus on in the Summer. Since trends change continuously, giving attention to some of the smaller details will help your brand gain preference among shoppers. Read on to see the trend highlights for the Summer season.
Fashionable Masks Make the Pandemic Safe and Chic
The COVID-19 pandemic dominated every industry in 2020. In fashion, masks soared in relevancy and will continue to do so in 2021. As mask use persists, fashion influencers have rushed to incorporate them into different looks. Black masks tend to be a good choice for most outfits due to their simplicity and ubiquitousness. Another trend on the rise for both designers and consumers is colored and patterned masks for different outfits. Check out some examples of various masked looks here on the World Fashion Channel.
Womenswear and Menswear Trends for Summer 2021
In womenswear, a variety of outfits will be on the radar for female-identifying fashion consumers. Some trend highlights include oversized coats, headscarves, and knee-high boots. In Summer 2020, faux leather coats were trending, which are somewhat similar to the oversized coats trending this year, although the material is now not limited to faux leather.
As for footwear, sandals are also trending again. In Summer 2020, the footwear trends included shoes worn over pants and square-toed heels, which are fairly similar to the sandals trend in 2021. However, the sandal trends of this year will be more accessible for a larger number of demographic groups, which could bring brands on board with the trend more sandal sales than they saw last year.
In menswear, florals and stripes will dominate fabric patterns – florals from Tom Ford and Burberry and vertical and horizontal stripes from brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Hugo Boss. As far as button-down shirts go, they are definitely a good go-to look in the summer but should be executed with lighter materials like linen, cotton, or a linen/cotton blend. Brands like J. Crew and Banana Republic have a wide variety of linen button-downs that stay fresh and unique, plus that better suit the warmer temperatures. Lastly, for men’s footwear, boat shoes and Vans are set to remain classic summer staples.
The Colors of Summer 2021
Neutral and pastel tones will headline Summer 2021. In Summer 2020, bright colors took center stage but will play a more minor role in this season’s trending palette. Softer colors like yellow will reign supreme, particularly in the accessories market with items like mellow yellow handbags. Aside from that, also look out for pink, magenta, tangerine, and light green. Check out white label sample looks featuring these trending colors here if you’re seeking inspiration.
The fashion world moves at a quick pace and these trends are sure to be important to designers and retailers. But, only time will tell which trends carry through to future seasons.
Yash Bansal is a marketing professional with a passion for writing content. He grew up near Houston, Texas. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies and managing his blog, Yash Bansal Reviews, and hosting his podcast, Cinema Convos.
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